Millimeter Wave Airport Scanners

Replies
12
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230
jambly405
Jun 29, 2025 7:19 am

Every time I go through these airport whole body millimeter wave scanners, I get pulled over for a body search. No longer does a quick check of my pockets allow me through the metal detecting arch unimpeded. Surely the staff can see that it is a stoma pouch on the screen and not have to embarrass us with a body search and explanation. Oh well, another hurdle to surmount, I suppose.

w30bob
Jun 29, 2025 7:42 am

You're looking at it the wrong way. Sure, they can see you have an ostomy bag on the screen, but what's to stop anyone from filling an ostomy bag with explosives and taping it to their abdomen if they thought they wouldn't be checked? At least they don't ask you to dump out the contents of your bag for inspection!

;O)

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past member

After I got my ostomy I found this site and got a lifetime membership. I have had so much help from the core members, things that even the wound care nurses didn't know. If you haven't been through this journey you don't know - only the people that have experienced this first hand truly understand what your going through. The support is enormously helpful getting through this. Afterwards when you start to learn how to deal with this new normal you can begin to help others.  ...mtnman. 

Ben38
Jun 29, 2025 9:42 am

Needs must there doing their job and very well spotting everything and checking to make sure everyone's safe. Top job from security, well done. UK airport security staff are supposed to be trained to be stoma aware now and take us to a private room. You can wear a sunflower lanyard; I wouldn't wear one myself.

IGGIE
Jun 29, 2025 1:30 pm

I wish they would ask to dump it out; I would ask them to cup their hands.

IGGIE

IGGIE
Jun 29, 2025 1:32 pm

Simple answer: why wouldn't you wear a sunflower lanyard?

IGGIE

 

My Ostomy Journey: Bruce | Hollister

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Jayne
Jun 29, 2025 2:37 pm

From my point of view, Iggie, I do not wish to be pre-defined by wearing any outward sign of my personal medical necessities - I take these within my stride and neither major upon them nor dismiss their necessity..... Also, I appreciate security is an involved business these days - per Bob's comment above.

Naturally, however, I would never presume to speak for another - this is only my personal take.

Wishing you a lovely day, Igggie

Best regards

Jayne

IGGIE
Jun 29, 2025 3:18 pm

Then get rid of your driver's license that lets people know you can drive, and have you gotten rid of your senior's card? And you would never put a disabled sticker on your car, would you?

IGGIE

NRG1022
Jun 29, 2025 7:18 pm

I've had mine for 15 years. The first time I was pulled aside, I was mortified! The full pat-down, the metal detector, the touch of the area, then they swab… everyone was watching… so the next time I told the people, and they did it privately and with a female. Now I don't care… whatever… it's my life now.

TerryLT
Jun 29, 2025 8:05 pm

Good point, Bob. If there are any would-be drug or explosive smugglers reading this thread, and they didn't already have the idea of using an ostomy appliance to hide their stuff, they do now.

Terry

Jayne
Jun 30, 2025 11:18 pm

A lanyard would be on my person - and as I am able to speak for myself, I feel I would not wish to wear that personal 'display' - rather, I would voice appropriately when required.

However, your comparative comment concerning a legal driving license - rather like a passport - that is an official ID doc for far-reaching purposes.

 

As regards displaying a disabled 'explanation' - upon a vehicle not occupied at the time of parking - that is an entirely different matter - cars cannot speak, and such notification on vehicles serves to inform during the vehicle driver's absence.

 

 

I have respect for those who do feel the wearing of a lanyard is right for them - as I said, I could only speak for myself and not on behalf of another ..... But I hope in my explanation this helps to clarify why I personally would not wear something on my person - whilst I am in the position of speaking up on my own behalf.

 

Perhaps a 'flash card' with an updatable 'current' verification system would aid a speedy passage through customs/security?

Doubtless such questions are regularly raised within the security of airports and other installations.

 

Best wishes

 

Jayne

 

IGGIE
Jul 01, 2025 10:07 am

Maybe a tattoo on my forehead: "I have a bag of shit on my belly."

Marjatta
Jul 01, 2025 12:32 pm

I guess those voluntary sunflower accessories could be counterfeited as well - heck, I bet even if we were microchipped, someone would find a way to duplicate that eventually.

I haven't been patted down yet, but I can understand how mortifying and embarrassing that would be, especially by a security agent who didn't know anything about ostomies. It's a risk I have to take when I fly. I'm not sure if there's any surefire way around it.

M

xo

SharkFan
Jul 06, 2025 5:20 am

Jambly,

My line is "My ostomy bag, right? Do you need me to rub it so you can swab my hands?" "Yes, please," and I'm on my way. As long as I'm not blocking the people behind me, no one really notices. If they do, I'll probably never see them again. Take a deep breath, get through security, and enjoy the rest of your trip.

See you at TSA one day,

SharkFan